Piano Elective Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MUAP-1169-001 Piano Elective

Prerequisites

Course Description

One 30-minute lesson per week, minimum three hours of outside practice per week required. Emphasis on basic technique and musicianship, with appropriate literature tailored to the needs/desires of the individual student.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) have developed a comprehensive overview of neuromusculoskeletal, vocal and hearing health issues for postsecondary schools and departments of music.  Information of a medical nature is provided by PAMA; information regarding contextual issues in music programs, by NASM. The following links address the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, neuromusculoskeletal and vocal injury—all of which are widespread and serious public health issues for musicians and others.

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NASM-PAMA Advisories on Neuromusculoskeletal \ and Vocal Health

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• Student guide: https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/02/4a_NASM_PAMA_NMH-Student_Guide-Standard_June-2014.pdf
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NASM-PAMA Advisories on Hearing Health :

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• Student guide: https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/publications/brochures-advisories/nasm-pama-nms-vocal-health/
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Student information sheets:

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• Musculosketal: https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/02/5a_NASM_PAMA_NMH-Student_Information_Sheet-Standard-NMH_June-2014.pdf
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• Vocal: https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/02/6a_NASM_PAMA_NMH-Student_Information_Sheet-Standard-Vocal_June-2014.pdf
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• Hearing: https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/publications/brochures-advisories/nasm-pama-nms-vocal-health/
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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1/2 hr lesson, 3 hrs practice)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Music appropriate to the level of the particular student will be assigned at the first lesson or as needed throughout the semester.

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\ Beginning students will use:  Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course:  Adult All-In-One Course, Level 1, with CD. 

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\ More advanced students should wait until first lesson before purchasing any books.

Supplies

\ Assignment notebook (spiral or 3 ring binder of any size)

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\ Pencils

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\ Music as assigned by instructor

Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

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\ 1. Have a basic understanding of musical notation, including the names of notes in the treble/bass clef, rhythmic notation, time signatures, key signatures, and terminology.

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\ 2. Play several major scales with each hand with correct fingering.

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\ 3. Play several technical exercises.

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\ 4. Play at least 4 pieces with correct notes and rhythms for the instructor.

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\ The student will show a continuous, steady improvement in the master of basic technical and musical skills at the piano. Problems of hand coordination, use of pedal, dexterity of the fingers, various touches, and other aspects relative to basic study of the piano will be addressed. By the end of the semester the student will be able to play various technical exercises appropriate to the level of study, and at least four pieces from the piano repertoire as a final examination.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ Consistent, daily practice is essential for improvement of piano skills.  Students should practice at least 6 days per week, for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, and a total of 3 to 5 hours weekly.

Grading Criteria

\ Each weekly lesson will be graded, according to improvement and effort shown on weekly assignments. Students are expected to practice for 3 to 5 hours per week, divided evenly among the days of the week. Weekly grades will be based on the following criteria:

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\ A Entire assignment learned and presented in a polished manner

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\ B Assignment learned, with a few problems

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\ C Assignment attempted, with many difficulties

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\ D Poorly prepared lesson, with little outside practice demonstrated

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\ F Very poorly prepared lesson, with no outside practice demonstrated; or absent from lesson without prior notification (one unexcused absence is allowed)

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\ The student must contact the instructor prior to the scheduled lesson time to set up a makeup lesson time, at the instructor's discretion.

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\ A final playing exam, consisting of 4 prepare pieces learned throughout the semester, will be performed for the instructor during the last lesson of the semester, generally during the final week of the semester.  This performance will receive a grade based on the above scale.

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\ The final grade for the course will be determined by averaging all weekly grades, which will be worth 75% of the total grade, and the final exam grade, worth 25% of the final grade.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class. One unexcused absence will be allowed, without affecting final grade. The second unexcused absence will be recorded as an "F" in the gradebook. Three unexcused absences will result in an "F" for the final grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

Practice pianos are available:

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Piano lab, Room 203:  12 electronic pianos with headphones, available when room is not being used for classes

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Practice Rooms:  located in Concert Hall south hallway; any rooms that are unlocked and contain a piano are available for individual practice.

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Information on Protecting your Hearing Health can be found at:

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http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/PAMA-NASM_Advisories/4a_NASM_PAMA-Student_Guide-Standard.pdf

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http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/PAMA-NASM_Advisories/5a_NASM_PAMA-Student_Information_Sheet-Standard.pdf